Branton Lakes

Two shallow lakes surrounded by woodland near Alnwick - that's Branton Lakes in a nutshell, and it's a proper gem if you catch it right. The reserve sits quietly off the beaten track, the sort of place where you actually hear birdsong rather than traffic noise. Walking the perimeter takes less than an hour, but most people spend longer because there's genuine stuff to spot: waterfowl in season, dragonflies if you're there in summer, and the occasional heron standing stock still in the shallows.

It's less dramatic than some nature reserves - the landscape is gently rolling rather than wild - but that's rather the point. Parents with young children find it manageable without being boring, and serious birdwatchers bring their binoculars and stay put by the water's edge for ages. The walking is dead easy, no steep climbs, just gravel paths that don't get churned up too badly even after rain.

Free to visit, as far as I can establish, with no formal opening times - you're working on the honour system here. The River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is barely five minutes away, making Branton Lakes an obvious add-on if you're based there for a few days exploring Northumberland. Bring decent binoculars if you're keen on birds, and time your visit for early morning or late afternoon when the wildlife is most active. Not a day-long destination, but worth the detour if you're staying locally.